I have a degree and four years of experience working within the European and Irish political systems, I\u2019m now in an interesting job on paper but it\u2019s actually quite a boring role and it\u2019s a short contract.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve been applying for jobs at a similar level and have been brought to interview stage for more than 20 jobs in the last year, usually landing in the top few candidates but never getting the job offer.<\/p>\n
These are jobs I\u2019m well qualified for.<\/p>\n
I have a suspicion there are people with greater experience applying for roles they are overqualified for and making it much more competitive at this level.<\/p>\n
What more should be I doing?<\/p>\n
Although it can be \u201cextremely disheartening\u201d to consistently miss out on the role at the final hurdle, reaching the final stages of the recruitment process indicates a \u201cwell-qualified candidate\u201d, according to Breda Dooley, head of recruitment at Matrix Recruitment.<\/p>\n
However, final-round interviews tend to focus more on interpersonal skills and \u201coverall fit\u201d for the organisation, she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve already proved yourself in a professional capacity by this stage. Now it\u2019s time to prove yourself on a human level.<\/p>\n
\u201cSmall factors such as how at ease you appear, how you engage with the panel or interviewer and your ability to build rapport with those in the room can influence the final decision,\u201d Dooley says.<\/p>\n
Demonstrating a genuine interest in the team or department and connecting that back to why the role \u201cfits who you are personally and professionally\u201d can play a \u201chuge part\u201d in the final decision, she says. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhere appropriate, and where possible, draw on existing connections and demonstrate familiarity within the department or party to reinforce your credibility. This is less about relying on who you know, and more about showing you understand the department or party on a deeper level.\u201d<\/p>\n
She adds it is natural after rejection to assume someone with more experience is outperforming them.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, if that was the case, one would argue you would not have progressed to the final round of interviews,\u201d she says, adding that the reader should instead reflect on their performance to figure out what is holding them back from getting the job. <\/p>\n
\u201cWere your answers as strong as they could be? Did you demonstrate the impact of your work? Did you address why you\u2019re the right candidate? If there are gaps in your experience, it\u2019s important to address them directly rather than hoping they go unnoticed.\u201d<\/p>\n